Wis. Assembly OKs amendment convention request

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a convention of states to develop a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The group Citizens for Self-Governance, led by Tea Party Patriots co-founder Mark Meckler, has launched a national push for a convention to craft the amendment. The group contends Congress will never move such an amendment forward on its own.

Thirty-four states have to request such a convention before Congress can authorize it. The Wisconsin resolution's author, Republican Rep. Chris Kapenga, says about 20 states have already passed a convention resolution.

Minority Democrats called the resolution a waste of time during a floor debate Tuesday. Republicans control the chamber, however, and the resolution ultimately passed on a 58-38 party line vote. It goes next to the state Senate.